Looking for skimmer recommendations

[ScubaSteve]

I've been seeing a bit of decline in some of my SPS as of late and haven't been able to figure it out... Until today, I think.

After giving my tank a good look over I've discovered a moderate chunk of rust coming out of the pump on my skimmer near the power cord (kinda ticks me off considering that I replaced that pump about 1.5 years ago). It's probably going to cost me about $100 to replace that pump, so that's part way to buying a new skimmer. My skimmer is a number of year's old now and hasn't been a screaming genius despite my constant attempts to dial it in, so this might be a good excuse for a new one. I'm not an skimmer junkie, so I need some recommendations!

Currently I am using a Vertex IN-80 on my 50 gallon cube. Fish-load is low to moderate but the tank is packed to the nuts with corals. I prefer to feed heavy and over-skim. I vodka dose to keep nutrients down.

Because of the shape of my tank my sump is relatively small, so space is at a premium and something compact would be ideal. That said, I'd like a skimmer that can skim like champ. The tank is in my living room, so quiet would also be a blessing (my current skimmer is pretty loud). Also, I'm still a moderately poor student, so budget is on the tight side ($200-400).

Skimmer gurus, I need your help!

[Skimmerking]

look at the omega 150 that is a decent skimmer look for a second hand vertex 170

[spit.fire]

Swc 160 cone

[Magma]

+1 on the SWC 160 Cone, I just got one not to long ago and I LOVE IT! Highly Recommended.

[IanWR]

If space is at a premium, you could look at http://www.reefsupplycanada.com/cad-...-less-skimmer/. The version 2 seems to have addressed the dial in difficulties from the first. Price is within the ballpark as well.

- Ian

[spit.fire]

The swc is nice if you're limited for room, the omega 150 is way way nicer but with a larger footprint

Either of them might be hard to dial in because IMO they're both to big for your tank

[Skimmerking]

ah crap yes the WC 160 cone is a small compact skimmer with a lot of punch I totally forgot to put that in

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by spit.fire

The swc is nice if you're limited for room, the omega 150 is way way nicer but with a larger footprint

Either of them might be hard to dial in because IMO they're both to big for your tank

Ya, I've been eying up the SWC160 (and 120) for a while. Wasn't sure which would be best suited to my tank. The 160 seems a bit big, the 120 a bit small (though I'd ere on the big side). I think the 160 might be a top contender.

What are people's thoughts on the CADlights pipeless? The small footprint is awesome and they've been dead silent when I've seen them in action, but am unsure what it's performance is like.